Obviously I was down in the dumps as it would have been a dream to go to Brazil. Hopefully in a couple of weeks, I will make the final 23.
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However, the England Manager was also keen to stress that it wasn’t necessarily a choice between the two, stating that Townsend and Walcott “are not similar players”. As a player, you want to be in the tournaments.
“Hopefully I can add to my 10 caps over this summer”.
“I am desperate to do well for my country as well as my club”.
Hodgson’s willingness to select Townsend is a reflection of his faith in the midfielder, who has scored three goals in his ten global appearances, and an acknowledgment of the 24-year-old’s consistently impressive displays since completing a £12m move from Tottenham to Newcastle in January.
He said: “I am honoured”. I’m hugely grateful and if I get the opportunity to go to the Euros, I will be proud to do so representing Newcastle.
A good showing from Townsend, who has scored three times for England, at the Euros could see plenty of offers for the Leytonstone-born wideman, but his father Troy says his son will stay on at St James’ Park.
“But you can’t take anything for granted and you don’t know what the national manager is thinking”.
Despite Townsend’s good form, Newcastle will be playing Championship football next season and are expected to lose several members of their squad over the summer.
While injuries could force the England manager to call upon Walcott once more, it would fall under the category of a “crisis” at this stage.
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“The hard work starts now”.
